U19s aim to emulate Kerr success

A RETURN to the scene of Ireland’s greatest footballing achievement brings its own pressure for the class of 2004 as a win over hosts Cyprus at the Xenon Stadium in Larnaca today (1.30 Irish time) books their passage through to the second phase of the qualifiers for next year’s UEFA U19 championships.

In July 1998 Brian Kerr led his then U18s to victory over Germany in a penalty shoot-out at the same venue. The searing 30-plus degree heat here this week have current manager Sean McCaffrey marvelling at what was achieved by his predecessor.

Ireland opened their challenge with a comfortable 4-0 win over Andorra on Monday while Russia beat Cyprus 5-1 in the other pool match.